McDermott turns to Pardew for Stevenage advice

Brian McDermott has been preparing his side all week to play Stevenage in the 4th round of the FA Cup on Saturday, and he has turned to former Royals boss Alan Pardew for advice on how not to do it! Pardew’s Newcastle side were beaten 3-1 at Broadhall Way in the 3rd round tie in one of the upsets of the round.

McDermott told GetReading, ‘Pards said Stevenage fully deserved to win the game on the day and he also talked about how they played. They know what they`re doing and are well organised.’

Newcastle were dreadful in the game they lost, so hopefully McDermott follows his own instincts other than those of ParJudas!

He has talked about how narrow the pitch is and how that could effect our natural wide play, perhaps hinting at a change of tactics for the trip.

1400 Loyal Royals will be in the away end with hundreds more in the home ends, snapping up tickets from the Hertfordshire club.